Spain coach De la Fuente not nervous after Scotland's defeat

Spain coach De la Fuente not nervous after Scotland's defeat

EURO 2024 Spain coach De la Fuente not nervous after Scotland's defeat

Stephen Oladehinde 15:35 - 29.03.2023

Spain lost their second match of the Euro 2024 qualifiers 2-0 against Scotland with the two goals coming from Manchester United Midfielder Scott McTominay.

Despite Spain's shocking 2-0 loss to Scotland in their Euro 2024 qualifying match on Tuesday at Hampden Park, coach Luis de la Fuente was left to regret two defensive miscues that cost his team the match. But, he refused to place blame for the loss on his players.

A Pedro Porro error allowed Andy Robertson to send the ball into Scott McTominay's path for the first goal of either half, and Kieran Tierney added a second goal after eluding a feeble challenge from Dani Carvajal.

De la Fuente calls the loss a “painful defeat”

The loss to Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday leaves Spain with only three points in their first two games and sits second, three points behind Scotland who already have six points.

Speaking to Teledeporte, De la Fuente said, “It's a painful defeat. Analysing the game, I think early on we did things well enough to change the result. I'll keep those positives, but there's still a lot to improve. I'm happy with the attitude of the boys.

“At this high level, any mistake costs you. But you shouldn't blame the players. It serves as an experience that any small incident tilts the balance of the match.”

De la Fuente plan still intact

Ahead of the Uefa Nations League semi-final match against Italy on June 15, De la Fuente stated that the outcome will not alter his plans with his team ready to take up the challenge when the time comes.

De la Fuente, still speaking, said, “Of course, I bet on the players in this squad, the same as others who have not been able to come. I bet on them a thousand times.

“You can always change things and improve. You have to work harder. The players have grasped this idea well and I have seen them identify with it.

“I think we have planted seeds and the future will bring us better experiences.”

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